Despite a huge increase in awareness of issues around all aspects of physical disability and the effects of the Disability Discrimination Act upon the Building Control process, there is little information or discussion about the experience of those with cognitive impairment and there is always more to be learned about how built space is experienced. The experience of people with severe cognitive impairment could provide valuable and unexpected insights for incorporation in urban design processes.
It has been widely acknowledged that certain environments exclude users with physical disabilities and as a result of the Disability Discrimination Act this shortcoming is formally addressed through the Building Regulations Part M. Those with severe cognitive impairment are rarely included in this acknowledgment and therefore remain marginalised.
We will continue to develop this work with new partners and through monitoring the way in which people navigate through and use space creatively in the work we do, evaluating and archiving observations whilst being open to potential projects that further this work and particular area of our expertise.